Maize market in Fiji

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Fiji grew from 1,377 tons in 2018 to 1,731 tons in 2020. This expansion was primarily driven by a significant increase in domestic production, which reached 1,704 tons in 2020. Growing local supply and increased international demand for fresh produce, supported by enhanced freighter services, facilitated this growth even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a dip to 1,564 tons in 2021, the market recovered to 1,803 tons in 2022. This recovery was aided by government measures to support agriculture, including raised guarantee limits for the Fiji Development Bank, which improved access to financing for producers. Concurrently, sustained import demand for crop and livestock products contributed to overall market activity. The growth trajectory continued strongly into 2023, with the market volume reaching 2,168 tons.

Production maize in Fiji

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of maize, 2017-2020

World map of production of maize, 2017-2020

Fiji's maize production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 704 tonnes of maize, representing a significant increase of 21.7% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 77.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 21.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports maize from Fiji

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. The lowest volume of maize exports from Fiji was recorded in 2019 at 1.9 tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 7.9 tonnes, marking a dramatic increase of 317.8% compared to 2019. The peak-to-trough ratio between these years was 4.2 times. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 50.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Kiribati were the main destinations for Fiji's maize exports in kind. New Caledonia accounted for 37.4% of exports, Samoa for 35.8%, and Kiribati for 12.8%. Together, these three countries absorbed 86.0% of Fiji's total maize exports in kind during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Fiji in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatile behavior during these years. The lowest value of Fiji's maize exports was recorded in 2018 at 6.9 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 27.7 thousand US dollars, representing a difference of 4 times. In 2020, export volume stood at 22.0 thousand US dollars, which is 20.5% lower than the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 45.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a rise of 299.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Fiji in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Malaysia, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu accounted for the largest share of Fiji's maize exports in value terms. Malaysia represented 32.8% of exports, New Caledonia 25.7%, and Vanuatu 18.5%. Together, these three countries comprised 77.0% of total export flows in value during this period.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Fiji in value, 2017-2020

Imports maize to Fiji

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatile behavior over these years. The highest volume of maize imports to Fiji was recorded in 2018 at 171.8 tonnes, while the lowest was in 2020 at 35.5 tonnes, representing a drop of 71.7% compared to the previous year. The peak-to-trough ratio between these years was 4.8 times. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 41.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Fiji in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia were consistently the main sources for Fiji's maize imports in kind. New Zealand accounted for 45.2% of imports, Singapore for 17.2%, and Australia for 15.6%. Together, these three countries represented 78.0% of total import flows in kind during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Fiji in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Fiji's maize imports have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 40.6 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a sharp fall of 72.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 78.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -40.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Fiji in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Singapore, and Australia formed the key group of partners for Fiji's maize imports in value terms. New Zealand accounted for 51.1% of imports, Singapore for 14.6%, and Australia for 11.8%. Together, these three countries jointly represented 77.6% of total import flows in value during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Fiji in value, 2017-2020